Best Linear Fusion Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

by | Feb 28, 2024

After years of sitting on the sidelines, followed by a few months at the top of the meta, Linear Fusions Rifles are finally in a good place. In fact, a few of them are still considered to be among the best weapons in Destiny 2.

This guide covers every Linear Fusion Rifle in Destiny 2, including Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

s23 Season of the Wish icon Destiny 2 Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Best Linear Fusion Rifles: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary Linear Fusion Rifles right now, including the Doomed Petitioner:

ItemWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
ArbalestDestiny 2 Arbalest art
Arbalest
Linear Fusion RifleExoticSpecialKineticLightfallYesS › BestExotic QuestCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Exotic Quest
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Shield Piercing rounds Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy's shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage."

► Arbalest continues to dominate in every area of the game, even through nerfs to both its damage and aim assist. With the ability to nuke Barrier Champion and elemental shields in 1-2 shots (even on Grandmaster difficulty), Arbalest is still a brilliant and mind-bogglingly simple weapon to use.
Season 6
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Shield Piercing rounds Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy's shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage."
Top-tier
CataclysmicCataclysmic art v2
Cataclysmic
Linear Fusion RiflePrecisionHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesS › BestVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Vow of the Disciple Raid
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Bait and Switch

► While recent options like Briar's Contempt technically outclass Cataclysmic in total damage, this linear fusion rifle continues to be many players' first choice. It's easy to use, stacks nicely with Surge mods, and tends to be way more consistent than its competitors.
Season 16
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Bait and Switch
Top-tier
Briar's ContemptBriar's Contempt art
Briar's Contempt
Linear Fusion RifleAggressiveHeavySolarLightfallYesS › BestRoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Root of Nightmares Raid
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Focused Fury (also good: Surrounded)

► Briar's Contempt was released with little popularity, along with the rest of the Root of Nightmares weapons. However, now that people have had their hands on it for a bit, it's clear that Briar's is strong. The combination of Surrounded and Harmonic Resonance makes this weapon even stronger than Cataclysmic, but only in specific scenarios.
Season 20
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Focused Fury (also good: Surrounded)
Top-tier
Doomed PetitionerDoomed Petitioner art Destiny 2
Doomed Petitioner
Linear Fusion RifleAggressiveHeavyVoidSeason 23YesS › BestSeasonal activityCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Seasonal activity
Season of the Wish icon Destiny 2
Season 23
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)

► Along with Briar's Contempt, Doomed Petitioner mainly excels at optimized total damage due to Surrounded and their aggressive frames. Sure, Cataclysmic is typically the go-to for many Guardians (and understandably so), but Doomed Petitioner and Briar's Contempt beat it out when it comes down to the numbers.
Season 23
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)
Top-tier
Sleeper SimulantDestiny 2 Sleeper Simulant art
Sleeper Simulant
Linear Fusion RifleExoticHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongExotic KioskCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Exotic Kiosk
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces."

► Sleeper Simulant has always been a great pick but is often ignored by the community. Whether this is because of the plethora of other great options or that Sleeper is uses an exotic slot, but using this as a burst-damage weapon isn't a bad option.
Season 3
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces."
Top-tier
Reed's RegretReed's Regret art
Reed's Regret
Linear Fusion RiflePrecisionHeavyStasisLightfallYesA › StrongTrials of OsirisCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Trials of Osiris
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line

► Reed's Regret is significantly less popular than it was previously, now even to the point where the majority of players don't consider it a part of the meta. While this may be the case, Reed's Regret does fall generally in the middle of the pack here; it doesn't stack up to any S-Tier linear fusions, but it's inarguably the next best thing.
Season 15
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line
Top-tier

Destiny 2 Linear Fusion Rifles: The complete list

This database includes every viable Linear Fusion currently in the game:

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 Arbalest artArbalestLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialKineticLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
Best

S

PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 6KineticNoTop-tier
Lorentz Driver artLorentz DriverLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialVoidBeyond LightYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Average

B

PvPExotic KioskError icon V2 NoBeyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Season 15EnergyNo
Destiny 2 Sleeper Simulant artSleeper SimulantLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Strong

A

PvEExotic KioskError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 3HeavyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 The Queenbreaker artThe QueenbreakerLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Worst

D

-Exotic EngramError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 4HeavyNo
Corsairs Wrath Destiny 2 artCorsair's WrathLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Worst

D

-World loot poolError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 12HeavyNo
Threaded Needle artThreaded NeedleLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Weak

C

PvEWorld loot poolError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 13HeavyNo
Tarantula artTarantulaLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Worst

D

-World loot poolError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 13HeavyNo
Reed's Regret artReed's RegretLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyStasisLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Strong

A

PvETrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 15HeavyNoTop-tier
Cataclysmic art v2CataclysmicLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvEVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyCraftableTop-tierBait and Switch
Stormchaser artStormchaserLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyArcDeluxe EditionYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Average

B

PvEDuality DungeonError icon V2 NoThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Deluxe Edition
Season 17HeavyNo
Sailspy Pitchglass artSailspy PitchglassLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Weak

C

-XûrCheckmark icon V3 YesFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftableVoltshot
Taipan-4fr artTaipan-4frLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Average

B

PvEGunsmithCheckmark icon V3 YesFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftableRepulsor Brace
Fire and Forget art
Fire and ForgetLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyStasisThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Weak

C

-Operation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 19HeavyCraftable
Briar's Contempt artBriar's ContemptLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavySolarLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvERoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Reconstruction
Laser Painter art Destiny 2Laser PainterLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
Weak

C

-Playlist: GambitError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 21HeavyNo
Doomed Petitioner art Destiny 2Doomed PetitionerLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyVoidSeason 23YesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Best

S

PvESeasonal activityCheckmark icon V3 YesSeason of the Wish icon Destiny 2
Season 23
Season 23HeavyCraftableTop-tierReconstruction

These are the different Tier levels used for our list:

  • S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
  • A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
  • B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
  • C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
  • D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.

Best Destiny 2 Linear Fusions in 20¨24

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Linear Fusion Rifles (LFRs) in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

Arbalest Destiny 2 featured Linear Fusion

5. Arbalest

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Despite some recent changes that have made some of its strengths obsolete, Arbalest continues to excel in many situations throughout PvE.

With the removal of the Match Game modifier, the only remaining draw to Arbalest is the ability to pierce Barrier champion shields in one shot. While this does make the weapon extremely handy in activities like Grandmaster Nightfalls, the number of general use cases for Arbalest has drastically decreased.

Another factor contributing to the decline of Arbalest has been the rising popularity of Wish-Ender, an exotic bow that’s able to accomplish the same exact thing. While Arbalest is still preferred by many, Wish-Ender does eliminate any chance of ammo economy issues and is generally more versatile.

While Arbalest has seen a major decline in popularity as of recent, it still manages to hold its ground against other linear fusion rifles and special weapons in PvE. If you’re looking for a unique and potent weapon that excels at piercing shields, Arbalest is the way to go.

Exotic Perk: “Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Shield Piercing rounds Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy’s shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage.”

How to get it: Arbalest can be acquired via Exotic engrams or Xûr.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 Arbalest artArbalestLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticSpecialKineticLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
Best

S

PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 6KineticNoTop-tier

 

Sleeper Simulant Destiny 2 featured linear fusion

4. Sleeper Simulant

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Consistently finding itself in a weird spot within the meta, Sleeper Simulant’s potency has never been truly utilized by the community at large.

With absurdly high damage per shot and a catalyst that greatly assists with the weapon’s overall useability, Sleeper Simulant is an outstanding pick for total damage. However, this comes at the cost of using your exotic weapon slot, which many players tend to avoid.

In addition to the high cost of your exotic slot, Sleeper Simulant needs to compete with top weapons like Cataclysmic and Apex Predator. However, because of the major power creep we’ve seen recently, Sleeper just barely misses the mark. While it’s still a great total damage option, Sleeper Simulant is simply outclassed by new and powerful picks, putting it relatively low on our Top 5.

Exotic Perk: “The weapon’s laser over-penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces.”

How to get it: Sleeper Simulant can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 Sleeper Simulant artSleeper SimulantLinear Fusion RifleExoticExoticHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Strong

A

PvEExotic KioskError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 3HeavyNoTop-tier

 

Briar's Contempt Linear Fusion Rifle

3. Briar’s Contempt

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Briar’s Contempt made no waves whatsoever upon release, primarily due to Cataclysmic’s continued domination of this weapon class. However, people are now beginning to see Briar’s true power.

To begin, Reconstruction and Rewind Rounds are unique but helpful in the first column. In the second, there’s recently been a considerable amount of hype around Surrounded. While it’s a pain to proc in most activities, the 40% (47% enhanced) damage buff it grants is unrivaled. Harmonic Resonance (Root of Nightmares’ origin trait) is equally as situational but can prove useful in the Nezarec and Ghosts of the Deep fights.

Beyond this, Briar’s Contempt also sees power in more generic options such as Focused Fury. While it’s not quite as strong as Cataclysmic overall, that’s a high bar to exceed. Briar’s Contempt proves to be both powerful and unique, rocketing it up to near the top of this list. These are the top Briar’s Contempt God Rolls

  • PvE God roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded

How to get it: Briar’s Contempt can be acquired from the Root of Nightmares raid.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Briar's Contempt artBriar's ContemptLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavySolarLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvERoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Reconstruction

 

Doomed Petitioner featured Destiny 2

2. Doomed Petitioner

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

New with Season of the Wish is Doomed Petitioner, the fourth aggressive frame linear fusion rifle to enter Destiny 2.

Even compared to raid weapons like Cataclysmic and Briar’s Contempt, Doomed Petitioner is extremely powerful. This weapon has not only some of the same combinations that made Briar’s so popular (Envious Assassin or Reconstruction with Surrounded) but also a unique trait that boosts it up even further: Precision Instrument.

While it’s only a 25% damage increase at max stacks (which is outclassed by both Bait and Switch and Surrounded), the perk is extremely easy to use and triggers in only two bursts. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, Doomed Petitioner can indeed roll with Surrounded, putting it nearly on par with Briar’s Contempt.

Despite other options that are inarguably more potent, Doomed Petitioner excels past most of its competition while boasting high total damage and outstanding ease of use. These are the top Doomed Petitioner God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll:Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded (also good: Precision Instrument)

How to get it: Stormchaser can be acquired from the Duality dungeon.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Stormchaser artStormchaserLinear Fusion RifleAggressiveLegendaryHeavyArcDeluxe EditionYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Average

B

PvEDuality DungeonError icon V2 NoThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Deluxe Edition
Season 17HeavyNo

 

Cataclysmic Linear Fusion Rifle Destiny 2 featured

1. Cataclysmic

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PVE

Cataclysmic has been a top damage weapon season after season, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Cataclysmic’s main draw comes from a perk previously locked behind the Vow of the Disciple raid: Bait and Switch. As of the writing of this article, Bait and Switch boosts damage by an absurd 35%, making it rivaled only by Surrounded.

Despite this, Bungie announced in a recent TWID that Bait and Switch will be nerfed in Update 7.3.5 (releasing March 5, 2024) to now only increase damage by 30%. While this sounds like it could finally shake the meta up, community members aren’t expecting much change. Cataclysmic will continue to excel past nearly all competition, making it a must-have weapon going into The Final Shape. These are the top Cataclysmic God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Fourth Time’s The Charm + Bait and Switch

How to get it: Cataclysmic can be acquired from the Vow of the Disciple raid.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Cataclysmic art v2CataclysmicLinear Fusion RiflePrecisionLegendaryHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvEVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyCraftableTop-tierBait and Switch

Linear Fusion Rifles and the PvP Meta

We covered which specific Linear Fusions are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Heavy weapons in PvP?

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

-► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together.

► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn
PVP Heavies
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

-► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict
PVP Heavies
Machine gun weapon type Destiny 2
Machine Guns
A › Strong
Strong

A

-► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure
PVP Heavies
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
B › Average
Average

B

► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible.PVP Heavies
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
Swords
C › Weak
Weak

C

-► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang
PVP Heavies

This TTK guide includes the TTKs for every weapon in Destiny 2. But Heavy weapons follow different rules (except machine guns). These are supposed to be the most powerful weapons in the entire game, and the expectation is that they one-shot enemy guardians. This is why TTK is not applicable here.

For PvP, you want your Power weapon to be as reliable and consistent as possible. Linear Fusions are not too bad in that department due to their high aim assist, but they still require good timing and aim.

If you’re looking for a more forgiving weapon, a rocket launcher will be a better option. Having said that, Linear Fusions get more ammo and players who can master Linear Fusions can easily secure a few kills per ammo brick.

Linear Fusions and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do LFRs compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear)

► If an S+ category existed, Rocket Launchers would be there. They absolutely dominate the DPS meta for any boss that isn't Crota and easily outclass other options thanks to their flexibility in damage rotations and their ability to be spammed at bosses. Rockets are incredibly strong right now, and it wouldn't be surprising if they received some tuning soon.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead
PVE Heavies
Machine gun weapon type Destiny 2
Machine Guns
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain role: Add Clear

► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers.

► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade
PVE Heavies
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
Swords
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage).

► Swords are in a good spot right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End. However, this is only because of a modifier that increases Sword damage against Crota. Outside of this specific boss, Swords are a decent option that doesn't excel simply because they are out-damaged by other heavy weapons.

► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine
PVE Heavies
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend downMain role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage)

► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily.

► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret
PVE Heavies
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
B › Average
Average

B

-Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage).

► Grenade Launchers are on the rise, and with a couple of changes, we could see them soar to the top of the pile. For now, though, they remain a mediocre option with a couple of outliers, such as the Cataphract GL3, which is mainly good because it has Bait and Switch, not because it's a Grenade Launcher.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Cataphract GL3
PVE Heavies
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Exotic Sniper Rifles
C › Weak
Weak

C

-Main role: Single Target damage

► Exotic Snipers still require more help. D.A.R.C.I remains a complete joke, and Whisper of the Worm isn't strong enough to bring the ranking up. While Whisper is a surprisingly decent option, it requires a teammate using Divinity in most situations, unless you are very consistent with your shots. And even then, Rocket Launchers are still superior DPS options.

► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm
PVE Heavies

According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:

Role Explanation Target Weapon types
Add Clear Clearing weaker enemies faster than you could with a primary ammo weapon. For most content, primaries do the add clear job perfectly well, so this is most useful in high-difficulty PvE. Main: Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Swords

Secondary: Rocket Launchers

Single Target Damage Burning down a boss. Main: Linear Fusion Rifles, Exotic Snipers, Swords

Secondary: Grenade Launchers, Machine Guns

Burst Damage Burning down a champion quickly, or for bosses with multiple damage phases, clearing a phase quickly. Main: Rocket Launchers

Secondary: Linear Fusion Rifles

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to actual DPS, Linear Fusions are strong:

-Weapon TypeArchetypeSustained DPSMag DPSTotal DamageSpecs---Best in ClassChange?Ammo
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

2971734498703216/w CatalystDestiny 2 Sleeper Simulant artSleeper SimulantBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

2090125186483576With "Marksman Sights"Destiny 2 The Queenbreaker artThe QueenbreakerBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion RifleAggressive1986621459712188-Stormchaser artStormchaserNewHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion RiflePrecision1849020453500066-Reed's Regret artReed's RegretBuffedHeavy
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

1817020574488819-Destiny 2 Arbalest artArbalestSameSpecial
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Linear Fusion Rifle

Exotic

1580017891425063-Lorentz Driver artLorentz DriverSameSpecial

Endgame content

When using a Linear Fusion, you want to dish sustained damage to a single target in endgame content, be it a Boss or a Major. As Linear Fusions are all about hitting precision hits to take advantage of that sweet critical hit multiplier, you’ll want to use it against an enemy that has a reasonably easy-to-hit crit spot. Unlike Rocket launchers or Swords that can’t deal precision damage, Linear Fusions need to land virtually 100% precision shots in order to be competitive.

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Primary and Special weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 SMGs and Best Destiny 2 Shotguns, too.

You now know everything there is to know about Linear Fusions in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.

See latest Updates

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
  • February 28, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Linear Fusions from Season 22 and Season 23.
  • Aug 8, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Season 18 to 21 Linear fusion rifles.
  • Jan 5, 2022: Inclusion of Year 5 (the Witch Queen) LFRs.
  • Nov 22, 2022: Inclusion of Year 4 LFRs.
  • May 10, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.

Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!

About The Author

Andrew Sideris
Andrew Sideris
With my over seven years of game knowledge, six months of writing experience for Blueberries.gg, and hundreds of Blueberries already guided through endgame content, I hope to allow newcomers to have the same great introduction I had all those years ago. You can find Andrew on Twitter.
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1 Comment
  1. ConfidentFlame

    ummm….. this page needs a refresher lol. Happy Holidays 🙂

    Reply
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